The Zambian duo of midfielder Erick Mwepu and forward Patson Daka both shone on Wednesday as RB Salzburg thrashed KRC Genk 4-1 at the Luminus Arena in Genk, Belgium, to keep alive the Austrians’ hope of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.

Despite not dominating ball possession and registering fewer attempts on target, the Austrian champions were more clinical in front of goal and claimed the win.

Daka opened the scoring in the 43rd minute tapping in from close range after Genk goalkeeper Gaetan Coucke spilt a shot from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Salzburg doubled its lead just two minutes later when Mwepu found Takumi Minamino in space on the right and the Japanese player rifled a shot into the net.

Daka, in the 62nd minute, would make way for Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland, who would provide an assist for Hwang Hee-Chan to score seven minutes later and make it 3-0.

Another African would get on the scoresheet as Genk’s Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta reacted quickest to head the ball into the net after Salzburg keeper Carlos parried a shot from Nigerian Paul Onuachu.

Samatta, the first Tanzanian to play and score in the UEFA Champions League, now has three goals in five games in the competition.

However, Salzburg were not finished and Mwepu grabbed his second assist of the game allowing Haaland to score his 4th Champions League goal in three matches for a 4-1 final score.

Salzburg is still third in Group E on seven points but only two points behind Napoli in second and three points behind group leaders Liverpool with one game left to play.

Salzburg will host European champions Liverpool at the Red Bull Arena on December 10 while Napoli host Genk at the San Paolo Stadium on the same day.

Source: UEFA Champions League